Starting Out At University
University can be an overwhelming and challenging time for a lot of people, and if you are feeling anxious or nervous about going, rest assured you are not alone. Read on for some tips that may help with navigating the first few weeks of this new adventure.
Organise
Hit the ground running with a pre-prepared organisation system for managing assignments, bills, or even getting the shopping in. Finding out what works best for you is a good way to approach this, some people may prefer tangible diaries or wall calendars, other may like electronic methods, such as phone alarms or digital calendars.
Attend Welcome Events
These are a great opportunity for you to learn more about your campus and meet other students. They can also be a fantastic chance to learn more about the resources and services available to you as a student, should you need further support during your time at uni.
Connect with Lecturers and Tutors
Opening up communication with your lecturers and tutors is great for widening your support network and reinforcing that they are there to support you. This may be as simple as sending a short email if you have their contact details, or speaking with them after lectures and asking questions.
Approach Other Support Services
Don't forget your uni will have a range of different support services such as counselling or career advice. These are there to help you and offer support with any difficulties you may be having. Your universities' website will have detailed information on the kinds of services that they offer.
Take Advantage of Opportunities to Meet Other People
Remember, everyone is likely in the same boat and looking to make new friends. Consider taking a doorstop with you for moving in day so you can keep your door open and speak to the other people living with, or near you. Signing up to a club or society that interests you is a great way to meet likeminded people as well as stay connected to a hobby or passion.
Organise
Hit the ground running with a pre-prepared organisation system for managing assignments, bills, or even getting the shopping in. Finding out what works best for you is a good way to approach this, some people may prefer tangible diaries or wall calendars, other may like electronic methods, such as phone alarms or digital calendars.
Attend Welcome Events
These are a great opportunity for you to learn more about your campus and meet other students. They can also be a fantastic chance to learn more about the resources and services available to you as a student, should you need further support during your time at uni.
Connect with Lecturers and Tutors
Opening up communication with your lecturers and tutors is great for widening your support network and reinforcing that they are there to support you. This may be as simple as sending a short email if you have their contact details, or speaking with them after lectures and asking questions.
Approach Other Support Services
Don't forget your uni will have a range of different support services such as counselling or career advice. These are there to help you and offer support with any difficulties you may be having. Your universities' website will have detailed information on the kinds of services that they offer.
Take Advantage of Opportunities to Meet Other People
Remember, everyone is likely in the same boat and looking to make new friends. Consider taking a doorstop with you for moving in day so you can keep your door open and speak to the other people living with, or near you. Signing up to a club or society that interests you is a great way to meet likeminded people as well as stay connected to a hobby or passion.
Budgeting and Money
It is very natural to feel stressed about managing money, taking stock of your finances and bills and setting yourself a budget can help you to keep track of things and avoid suddenly finding yourself with no money. Part time jobs are a good way to gain more money and some universities may even have paid positions available on campus.
Look After Yourself
The stress of university and balancing all of your responsibilities can take it's toll on your health. Prioritising self care and your own wellbeing is essential. This can involve making sure you are eating and getting enough sleep. Do not hesitate to reach out to your universities wellbeing and health services if you are struggling.
Be Open to New Experiences
University is a huge step out of your comfort zone and an incredible opportunity for growth and new experiences and being open to these can give fantastic rewards. This may involve meeting people from different backgrounds and widening your perspective of the world, or getting involved in a new hobby; learning and experiencing something you never thought you would. However, don't forget this is your experience and you should be allowed to make your own choices, free from pressure from others.
Stay In Touch
Staying in contact with people from back home will make sure you have a good support network and will help if you feel homesick. It is completely natural to feel like you need a sense of stability in all of these new experiences, and catching up with old friends and family can help with this.
Whilst uni can be challenging, it can also be an amazing adventure and a chance for you to really grow and develop as a person. Try not to put too much pressure on yourself to have the perfect university experience, and don't forget to be kind to yourself, getting into university is an amazing achievement.
It is very natural to feel stressed about managing money, taking stock of your finances and bills and setting yourself a budget can help you to keep track of things and avoid suddenly finding yourself with no money. Part time jobs are a good way to gain more money and some universities may even have paid positions available on campus.
Look After Yourself
The stress of university and balancing all of your responsibilities can take it's toll on your health. Prioritising self care and your own wellbeing is essential. This can involve making sure you are eating and getting enough sleep. Do not hesitate to reach out to your universities wellbeing and health services if you are struggling.
Be Open to New Experiences
University is a huge step out of your comfort zone and an incredible opportunity for growth and new experiences and being open to these can give fantastic rewards. This may involve meeting people from different backgrounds and widening your perspective of the world, or getting involved in a new hobby; learning and experiencing something you never thought you would. However, don't forget this is your experience and you should be allowed to make your own choices, free from pressure from others.
Stay In Touch
Staying in contact with people from back home will make sure you have a good support network and will help if you feel homesick. It is completely natural to feel like you need a sense of stability in all of these new experiences, and catching up with old friends and family can help with this.
Whilst uni can be challenging, it can also be an amazing adventure and a chance for you to really grow and develop as a person. Try not to put too much pressure on yourself to have the perfect university experience, and don't forget to be kind to yourself, getting into university is an amazing achievement.
Disclaimer: The content on this page is for information purposes only and should not be considered professional advice or used as a substitute for professional advice.
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